Legendary footballer’s departure comes after Instagram post sparked outrage in UK Jewish community…
British football icon and longtime BBC presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the public broadcaster, according to reports in the UK. The decision follows a firestorm of criticism over an Instagram story in which Lineker shared a video accompanied by a rat emoji — a symbol widely recognized for its antisemitic connotations.
The post sparked intense backlash from both the British Jewish community and the general public, prompting calls for accountability. Lineker, who has been a central figure in BBC’s sports coverage for decades, is expected to step down after years as the network’s most prominent football presenter.
An official statement confirming his departure is expected to be released within the next 24 hours.
